Neurosurgery Resident University of Vermont Medical Center
Introduction: In neurosurgery, flexibly conceptualizing a two-dimensional image in three dimensions is paramount to anatomical understanding and translates directly to competency in the operating room. However, the most effective methods for teaching this ability are not yet determined. Current medical education literature supports active teaching over traditional passive lecturing. 3D models and simulations have shown success as active learning tools, but are resource-limited. We explored drawing and clay modeling as inexpensive, efficacious methods for teaching spinal anatomy to medical students. We expected that students who learned through drawing and modeling would demonstrate greater improvement on a lumbar spinal anatomy test compared to students who learned by passively looking at a 3D anatomy app.
Methods: First-year medical students were recruited for the study during their first month of school. Students were randomized to either a drawing, clay modeling, or control group in which they referenced a 3D anatomy app. Students had fifteen minutes to learn anatomical structures in the lumbar spine according to their group’s modality. Learning was evaluated in terms of score difference on a pre- and post-education test evaluating anatomical knowledge of the lumbar spine and its application to surgical pathophysiology.
Results: 62 students completed the pre- and post-tests. Students in the drawing group demonstrated significantly improved test scores after their learning session. Scores in the clay group also improved after the session, though not significantly. The control group did not demonstrate improvement.
Conclusion : Drawing is an effective mechanism for teaching lumbar spinal anatomy to medical students. Drawing and modeling show promise for teaching the flexible application of anatomical knowledge to surgical pathophysiology. These active learning modalities are likely generalizable to other neurosurgical anatomy, and should be further explored among neurosurgical residents and residents of various surgical sub-specialties given their efficacy, feasibility and minimal use of resources.
